Today in Soap Opera History (November 24)

1967: Dark Shadows' Barnabas choked, thanks to Angelique.
1987: Santa Barbara's Mason and Julie had sex in a cave.
1989: Another World's Rachel spent Thanksgiving without Mac.
1999: Chloe Lane first appeared on Days of our Lives.

"The present contains nothing more than the past, and what is found in the effect is already in the cause."
― Henri Louis Bergson

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

On this date in...

1967: On Dark Shadows, Angelique Bouchard (Lara Parker) put a handkerchief around the toy soldier's neck. As she tightened it, Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid) began to choke, and he eventually collapsed on the floor.

1975: On Ryan's Hope, Mrs. Huber (Martha Greenhouse) complained to Frank Ryan (Michael Hawkins) about her apartment building possibly being sold without the tenant's approval. As Frank pledged his help in organizing tenants, Nick Szabo (Michael Fairman) planned to keep him from doing just that.

1981: Scott Palmer debuted as Joshua Fallon in Days of our Lives.

1983: On Knots Landing, Gary Ewing (Ted Shackelford) invited Cathy Geary (Lisa Hartman) to live and work at the ranch.

1987: On Santa Barbara, Mason Capwell (Lane Davies) and Julia Wainwright (Nancy Lee Grahn) made love in a cave after Keith Timmons (Justin Deas) kicked them out of the car during the hunt for Cruz.

1988: John William Corrington died at age 56. Along with his wife, Joyce, he was a writer for daytime soap operas including Search For Tomorrow, Another World, Texas, General Hospital, Capitol and One Life to Live. He was also a story consultant for Rituals.

1989: On Another World, Rachel Cory (Victoria Wyndham) made the Thanksgiving dinner toast in the Cory family's first Thanksgiving without her late husband, Mac.

1990: Actor Geoffrey Lumb died at age 85. He was Daytime's first crossover actor playing the role of Mitchell Dru on As the World Turns, The Brighter Day and Another World. He also played Geoffrey Crane in Search for Tomorrow.

1999: On As the World Turns, Jake McKinnon (Tom Eplin) and Julia Lindsey (Annie Parisse) were trapped in a warehouse while the Hughes family gathered at WOAK to serve food to the homeless.

1999: Nadia Bjorlin made her first appearance as Chloe Lane in Days of our Lives.

2003: On The Young and the Restless, Phyllis (Michelle Stafford) was stunned, but excited to see Danny (Michael Damian). Phyllis apologized for her past behavior, and mentioned she missed their son. Danny admitted to Phyllis that he believed she has changed.

2004: On Guiding Light, much of Springfield celebrated Thanksgiving with the Coopers. Harley (Beth Ehlers) was recently released from jail while Lizzie had just gained ownership of Company from Phillip in his will. Watch here.

Thanks to Megan for sending in this item.

2006: CBS aired a one-hour Inturn "best of" special episode on TV from the first season of the As the World Turns casting reality show that had aired on the web.

2008: John Callahan debuted as Dr. Richard Baker in Days of our Lives.